This
video is a foundational instruction on how to work with models from the
ground up. Starting with the basics of wardrobe selection, Mary points
out what is important in order to fulfill the objective of a good model
photo session.

This two hour journey
covers all the basics and then Mary imposes her wonderful insight which
she is so willing to impart. She walks the viewer through her own
methods of putting a session together, styling and designing the shoot
to fit a particular model and individual direction.

But
there is so much more to this video, she also reveals all of her
wonderful little tips and tricks using backgrounds, props,
communication, methods of instructing a model, model direction, body
language, hand placement, and so much more. Her powerful observation of
how important hand placement is for the model is reason enough to have
this instruction, in her words, "I have seen so many wonderful images ruined just because of the hands."

Mary
also uses her own prescription in using this directive tool: "I now
have beginner models, or models I am shooting for the first time sit
and watch this video, they are so much stronger, more confident when we
enter the studio."

Although this video shows some lighting setups while Mary shoots, it is not a lighting instruction.

Whether
you've been shooting for a month, a year, or ten years, this is a very
informative look at how to get the very best from any model. Here is a
list of topics that this video covers:

Mary's background & set system.

Easy background set up.

Mary's "V set" and how to put the model on a wall not just suspended in the middle of the studio floor.

Hands, arms, body posing.

The angle of the face and where the model should look.

Mouth expressions and making the eyes really work.

Using gravity in poses, understanding the physics of natural posing.

Three points or planes of the posing body: Head, chest, pelvis.

The different posing styles: Catalog posing, casual posing, the do's and don'ts.